Winter weather can pose health risks to your dog. Here are
5 Winter Care Tips For Your Dog
1) Brrr It’s COLD! Never leave your dog outside for a long period of time. Adjust your play and time outdoors. Be attentive to your dog’s body temperature. You must know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite commonly occurs on your dog’s paws, ears and tail. Some of the signs are paleness of the affected skin, coldness and pain of the area when touched.
Hypothermia occurs when your dog’s temperature falls below normal and is unable to keep up with the loss of heat. Check your dog’s gums for paleness. Other symptoms are shivering and slower heart rate. Hypothermia can be fatal if left untreated.
If your dog shows signs of frostbite, he/she may be also experiencing hypothermia. Seek immediate veterinary care.
2) Paw Care: Protect your dog’s paw from the snow, freezing ground and salty asphalt/concrete surfaces. Rock salt and ice melters can cause severe dermatitis and inflation of your dog’s paws. To prevents ice balls forming between and around your dog’s paw pads, trim your dog’s toe/foot pad fur. Apply balm to you dog’s pads before going out. Then, make sure to wipe it off/wash with warm water. Another option is to wear PawZ dog boots, it will protect your dog paws, keeps it warm and will provide traction control.
3) Fur Care: To keep your dog properly insulated during winter months, it is essential to have a well-groomed coat. Keep in mind, not only short haired dogs are vulnerable to cold temperatures, big furry dogs too. Consider purchasing a winter sweater or jacket for your dog.
4) Fleas and Ticks: Keep in mind it’s a myth,”Cold Weather Kills Fleas and Ticks.” Since your home is heated (above 65 degrees), it’s the perfect sanctuary for flea to be during winter months. For ticks, they are capable of surviving cold temperatures particularly when they are able to find a host to feed from. Remember: Fleas and Ticks prevention is essential throughout the year.
5) Feed and Hydrate: It is important to feed your dog accordingly to maintain a healthy weight. You will notice that your dog sleeps more in order to conserve energy. Keep track of your dog’s activities and make proper adjustment to your dog’s meals. Cold weather can bring risks of hydration too. Make sure to keep your dog hydrated and always provide accessible fresh water.
Have a Safe Winter with Your Dog
great tips as usual – we bet you are enjoying not having to follow them so much now are a Californian girl
thanks for this great tips…. we always use milking grease for my paws, specially when they throw that road salt on the streets….
Oh, I am so glad I do not need paw protection from the snow and ice! Those are great tips especially the myth about fleas and ticks and how they can still live and thrive in a heated home!
Oz
It’s always an important reminder that we get cold too
Lily & Edward
OMD do we EVER need all these reminders right now… This has been a bad weather winter…
Great advice! Haley will play outside in the snow as long as I’m outside and she has a tendency to play even if she’s hurt or uncomfortable, so I have to keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn’t stay out too long, especially when it’s bitterly cold.
Great tips sugar and yes flea’s are still present. You stick your face in a rabbit den and whaaa you have fleas and bring them in the cozy house.
SUGAR YOU ARE SO RIGHT..IN FACT MOM JUST PICKED UP MY HEARTGARD RX.
HERE IN THE SOUTH WE HAVE THOSE PESKY CRITTERS 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR TOO AND EVEN AN INDOOR KITTY NEEDS PROTECTION
HUGS MADI YOUR BFFF
We don’t do coats, but when it is really that cold out, we limit our time outdoors. Water is the best tip as we are thirsty in the wintertime too.
Great tips! It’s definitely cold here
Great tips! It’s been so cold
Great tips. I’ve been thinking about getting Bain some booties. Sugar always models hers so well =)
being a farm dog I have to take the cold weather seriously in Pennsylvania this time of year. These are some great tips! I tend to bundle up in multiple layers and even a neck warmer. When all else fails I have a heated pet seat waiting for me in the car while my mom finishes up the farm chores!
Water is a great point! Just because they are not panting, they drink just as much water! Obviously, we also love PAWZ!!
Thank you for this tips..this is a great help.
Great tips!
Great tips, and looking very stylish in those booties! Paws are especially a big one – the salt is terrible for poor doggy paws! Boots or balm is a smart solution.
Thankfully we haven’t had any snow yet, but I do need to get Ducky a new coat — her first one doesn’t fit her any more (now that she’s “all grown up”).
Great tips!!